Do you think that you can handle a personal injury claim for yourself or a loved one on your own? Although many New York residents don’t know the advantages of utilizing a Brooklyn personal injury attorney, dealing with the accident, hospitals, medications, and the insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming. And since handling personal injury claims can be so challenging, many people without an attorney end up losing their cases – and a lot of money. As such, it’s wise to consult with a Brooklyn personal injury attorney promptly after an accident.

What is a “personal injury”?

Personal injury is a blanket term that covers any type of injury to an individual’s mind, body, or emotions, as opposed to damages to property only. Being the victim in a car accident, for example, can result in physical harm and emotional trauma. Personal injury may also include accidents where a biker or pedestrian is struck by a car, construction incidents, accidents on public transit vehicles, etc. Injuries can also be the result of the failure to maintain premises, stairways or sidewalks, as in the case of slip-and-fall incidents, or injuries related to snow and ice. Whatever the case may be, if you feel that you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to the fault or neglect of another person or entity, you should get in touch with a personal injury attorney immediately.

Why should I work with an attorney?

Too often, New York residents make the mistake of believing that their claims are much simpler than they are. Unfortunately, most insurers will do everything in their power to minimize payouts or to not make payments on a claim at all. These large companies can do this because there are many tiny loopholes in the law that the average Joe is not aware of, making it easier for insurers to get away with “highway robbery”. For example, New York law provides apportionment of fault in some accident situations. But an insurer may try to get out of paying what is owed to you – even though the other driver is mostly considered “at fault”. Without the help of a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer, the insurance company could deny you your rightful recovery. A lawyer will know all of the tricks and loopholes attempted by the insurance companies so that you can receive all that you are entitled to.

What are the benefits of working with a personal injury lawyer?

We’ve seen how a legal team can help evade the common tricks of insurance companies, but you’ll also receive other benefits like:

  • Reasonable expectations – A lawyer can provide insights as to what you can expect from a case’s outcome so that you are prepared for what is reasonable in terms of value and timing.
  • Higher payouts – Attorneys know what you are entitled to – including recovery for items many people don’t know that they were entitled to ask for.
  • Knowledge & experience – Your attorney will be more capable of handling your claim through a long history of studying law and working within the legal system.
  • No Fee unless you get a Recovery – Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that if you win your case, the attorney will be paid with a percentage of your settlement, but if you lose, you won’t be required to pay.